U.S. patent application number 11/156703 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for chemically cross-linked cellulosic fiber and method of making same.
Invention is credited to Chmielewski, Harry J., Hamed, Othman A., McBee, Dana B..
Application Number | 20050263258 11/156703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29732111 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050263258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hamed, Othman A. ; et
al. |
December 1, 2005 |
Chemically cross-linked cellulosic fiber and method of making
same
Abstract
The present invention relates to cross-linked cellulosic fiber
having improved absorbency characteristics when compared to
conventional cross-linked fibers. The cross-linked cellulosic fiber
is obtainable by reacting pulp in the sheet or fluff form with one
or more reagents selected from organic molecule having acid and
aldehyde functional groups "acid aldehydes." The invention also
relates to a method of producing the cross-linked fiber. The method
includes heating the treated cellulosic fibers to promote
intrafiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized
by having an improved centrifuge retention capacity, fluid
acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbent capacity, absorbency under
load, and other absorbent properties. The inventive cross-linked
fibers are useful in forming absorbent composites, and in
particular absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles.
Inventors: |
Hamed, Othman A.; (Jesup,
GA) ; Chmielewski, Harry J.; (Brunswick, GA) ;
McBee, Dana B.; (Jesup, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
1900 K STREET, N.W.
SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1109
US
|
Family ID: |
29732111 |
Appl. No.: |
11/156703 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11156703 |
Jun 21, 2005 |
|
|
|
10694348 |
Oct 28, 2003 |
|
|
|
10694348 |
Oct 28, 2003 |
|
|
|
10166254 |
Jun 11, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
162/9 ;
162/157.6; 162/158 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/15203 20130101;
D06M 2101/06 20130101; C08H 8/00 20130101; A61F 13/53 20130101;
C08B 15/10 20130101; D06M 13/207 20130101; D06M 13/12 20130101;
D21C 9/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
162/009 ;
162/157.6; 162/158 |
International
Class: |
D21C 009/00 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A method of making a cross-linked cellulosic fiber, comprising:
optionally treating individualized cellulosic fibers with caustic;
forming a non-woven mat or fluff of the optionally caustic treated
individualized fibers; supplying a cross-linking agent to the
non-woven mat or fluff of the optionally caustic treated
individualized fibers to form an impregnated non-woven mat or fluff
impregnated with the cross-linking agent; and curing the
cross-linking agent on the impregnated non-woven mat or fluff to
form intra-fiber cross-links.
21. A method of making chemically cross-linked cellulosic fibers
comprising: forming a wet laid sheet of the cellulosic fibers;
applying an acid aldehyde cross-linking agent to the cellulosic
fibers in the sheet form to form a sheet of impregnated fibers;
fiberizing the sheet in a hammermill to form fluffed fiber
impregnated with a cross-linking agent; and curing the
cross-linking agent impregnated in the fluffed fiber to form
intra-fiber cross-links.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the cellulosic fiber is a wood
pulp fiber selected from the group consisting of hardwood pulp,
softwood cellulose pulp obtained from a Kraft or sulfite chemical
process, and combinations or mixtures thereof.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising drying the sheet of
impregnated fibers prior to fiberizing the sheet in a
hammermill.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the sheet of impregnated fiber
produced in step is not dried prior to fiberizing the sheet in a
hammermill.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the acid aldehyde cross-linking
agent is at least one acid aldehyde organic molecule containing
aldehyde and carboxylic acid functional groups.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the acid aldehyde cross linking
agent is selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid,
succinic semialdehyde, and mixtures and combinations thereof.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein the acid aldehyde cross-linking
agent is applied to the fiber in an aqueous solution.
28. The method of claim 25, wherein the acid aldehyde cross-linking
agent has a pH from about 1.5 to about 4.0.
29. The method of claim 21, wherein the cross-linking agent is
applied to fiber in an amount from about 0.5 to 10% by weight,
based on the total weight of the fiber.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the cross-linking agent is
applied to the fiber in an amount from about 2 to 5% by weight,
based on the total weight of the fiber.
31. The method of claim 21, wherein curing takes place at a cure
temperature within the range of from about 300.degree. F. to about
435.degree. F.
32. The method of claim 21, wherein curing takes place for about
0.5 minutes to about 8 minutes at a cure temperature within the
range of from about 300.degree. F. to about 435.degree. F.
33. The method of claim 21, wherein the cross-linked fibers
produced thereby have an absorbent capacity of at least about 9 g
saline/g fiber.
34. The method of claim 21, wherein the cross-linked fibers
produced thereby have a dry bulk of at least about 12 cm.sup.3/g
fiber.
35. The method of claim 21, wherein the cross-linked fibers
produced thereby have a centrifuge retention capacity of not more
than 0.6 g saline/g fiber.
36. The method of claim 21, wherein the cross-linked fibers
produced thereby have a free swell of at least about 10.0 g
saline/g fiber.
37-51. (canceled)
52. The method of claim 20, wherein the cross-linked fibers
produced thereby have a centrifuge retention capacity of not more
than 0.48 g saline/g fiber.
53. The method of claim 20, wherein the fibers are cross-linked
with a mixture of cross-linking agents selected from the group
consisting of: a mixture of glyoxylic acid and citric acid; a
mixture of glyoxylic acid and polymaleic acid; and a mixture of
glyoxylic acid, citric acid, and polymaleic acid.
54. The method of claim 21, wherein the fibers are cross-linked
with a mixture of cross-linking agents selected from the group
consisting of: a mixture of glyoxylic acid and citric acid; a
mixture of glyoxylic acid and polymaleic acid; and a mixture of
glyoxylic acid, citric acid, and polymaleic acid.
55. The method of claim 20, wherein the fibers are cross-linked
with a mixture of cross-linking agents selected from the group
consisting of: a mixture of glyoxylic acid and citric acid; a
mixture of glyoxylic acid and a terpolymer of maleic acid, vinyl
acetate, and ethyl acrylate; and a mixture of glyoxylic acid,
citric acid, and a terpolymer of maleic acid, vinyl acetate, and
ethyl acrylate.
56. The method of claim 21, wherein the fibers are cross-linked
with a mixture of cross-linking agents selected from the group
consisting of: a mixture of glyoxylic acid and citric acid; a
mixture of glyoxylic acid and a terpolymer of maleic acid, vinyl
acetate, and ethyl acrylate; and a mixture of glyoxylic acid,
citric acid, and a terpolymer of maleic acid, vinyl acetate, and
ethyl acrylate.
57-58. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to cross-linked cellulosic
fiber, obtainable by reacting pulp in sheet or fluff form with one
or more reagents selected from organic molecules having acid and
aldehyde groups (e.g., acid aldehydes). The invention also relates
to a method of producing the cross-linked fiber. The cross-linked
fibers of the present invention are characterized by having an
improved acquisition rate, softness, resiliency, absorbent
capacity, centrifuge retention capacity, free swell, and absorbency
under load.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Absorbent articles intended for personal care, such as adult
incontinent pads, feminine care products, and infant diapers
typically are comprised of at least a top sheet, a back sheet, an
absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and back sheet, and
an acquisition layer between the top sheet and the absorbent core.
The acquisition layer comprised of, for example, acquisition
fibers, usually is incorporated in the absorbent articles to
provide better distribution of liquid, increase the rate of liquid
absorption, and reduce gel blocking. A wide variety of acquisition
fibers are known in the art. Included among these are synthetic
fibers, a composite of cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers, and
cross-linked cellulosic fiber. Cross-linked cellulose fiber is
preferred because it is abundant, it is biodegradable, and it is
relatively inexpensive.
[0003] Cross-linked cellulose fibers and processes of making them
have been described in the literature for many years (see, for
example G. C. Tesoro, Cross-Linking of Cellulose, in Handbook of
Fiber Science and technology, Vol II, M. Lewis and S. B. Sello eds.
pp 1-46, Mercel Decker, New York (1993)). The cross-linked
cellulose fibers typically are made by reacting cellulose with
multifunctional agents that are capable of reacting with the
hydroxyl groups of the anhydroglucose repeating units of the
cellulose either in the same chain, or in neighboring chains
simultaneously. Cross-linked cellulose fibers generally are
characterized by their high absorbent capacity, and their high
resiliency in the wet and dry states.
[0004] Many cross-linking agents have been discovered since the
development of cross-linked cellulose fibers. Formaldehyde and
urea-formaldehyde products were among the first agents used to
cross-link cellulosic fibers. Such cross-linking agents are
disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,764,573; 3,260,565;
3,112,156; 3,224,926; 3,241,533; 3,932,209; 3,756,913; 4,035,147;
and 5,225,047, the disclosures of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
[0005] Safety problems have arisen from the use of formaldehyde and
urea-formaldehyde products as cross-linking agents. These problems
have created a need for non-formaldehyde-containing cross-linking
agents to replace the formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde
cross-linking agents. A number of new cross-linking agents for
cellulosic fibers have become available in light of this need.
[0006] Monomers having multifunctional groups, such as carboxylic
acid groups and aldehyde groups have been widely used as
cross-linking agents for cellulosic fibers. For example,
alkanepolycarboxylic acids are capable of cross-linking cellulose
fibers by forming an ester bond with the fiber's hydroxyl groups.
Cross-linking can occur upon heating the alkanepolycarboxylic acid
with the cellulosic fiber in the presence of a catalyst, such as
sodium hypophosphite, at a temperature over 165.degree. C. (see for
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,273,549; 5,137,537; 4,820,307; 4,936,865;
and 5,042,986 and European patent 0,427,316 B1, the disclosures of
which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety).
Dialdehydes (for example glyoxal) are capable of cross-linking
cellulose hydroxyl groups via acetal bonds (see, for example, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,889,595; 4,472,167; 4,822,453; and 6,207,278 B1, the
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety).
[0007] One problem associated with the use of alkanepolycarboxylic
acid is that the cellulosic fibers cross-linked thereby tend to
lose their cross-linking upon storage, and revert to uncross-linked
fibers. Consequently, the fibers lose their favorable mechanical
properties that were obtained upon cross-linking. One attempt to
solve this problem was to use polymeric cross-linking agents. World
Patent No. WO99/31312 describes the use of a polymeric
polycarboxylic acid having a molecular weight of more than 500 as a
cross-linking agent for cellulosic fiber. U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,867
B1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety, describes the use of polyhydroxyalkylurea having at
least two-urea moieties as a cross-linking agent for cellulosic
fibers. Although fiber cross-linking with polymeric polycarboxylic
acid has been successful and imparts several advantages to
cross-linked fiber, those skilled in the art have sought simple
reagents and processes to produce cross-linked cellulosic fibers
with reduced discoloration, knots, and knits.
[0008] Cellulosic fibers typically are cross-linked in the fluff
form. Processes for making cross-linked fiber in the fluff form
comprise dipping swollen or non-swollen fiber in an aqueous
solution of cross-linking agent, catalyst, and softener. The fiber
so treated then usually is cross-linked by heating it at elevated
temperatures in the swollen state as described in U.S. Pat. No.
3,241,553, or in the collapsed state after fluffing as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,224,926, and European patent No. 0,427,316 B1, the
disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein
in their entirety.
[0009] Cross-linking of fibers in the fluff form is believed to
improve physical and chemical properties of fibers in many ways,
such as improving the resiliency (in the dry and wet state),
increasing the absorbency, reducing wrinkling, and improving
shrinkage resistance. Unfortunately, it has been found that such
cross-linking, if carried out on a fiber in the sheet form, tends
to create substantial problems in the final product. These problems
include severe fiber breakage and increased amounts of knots and
nits (hard fiber clumps). These disadvantages render the
cross-linked product completely unsuitable for many applications.
Several approaches have been tried to overcome these problems, many
of which have made the cross-linking even more complicated, time
consuming, and costly (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,240;
4,204,054; and 3,434,918, the disclosures of which are incorporated
by reference herein in their entirety).
[0010] The description herein of certain advantages and
disadvantages of known cross-linked cellulosic fibers, and methods
of their preparation, is not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention. Indeed, the present invention may include some
or all of the methods and chemical reagents described above without
suffering from the same disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the problems associated with some of the known
cross-linking processes, there is a need to develop a catalyst-free
cross-linking agent that offers the cellulosic fiber with
advantages that are seen now with conventional cross-linked fibers
made using catalysts. There also is a need to provide a simple,
relatively inexpensive process for cross-linking cellulosic fibers
in sheet and fluff form that produces cross-linked cellulosic
fibers that are substantially free of knots and nits. It will be
appreciated, however, that knots are advantageous for some
applications, and accordingly, the present invention is not in any
way limited to producing cross-linked cellulosic fibers
substantially free of knots. The present invention desires to
fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages.
[0012] It therefore is a feature of an embodiment of the invention
to provide cross-linked cellulosic fibers that have improved
acquisition rates, softness, resiliency, absorbent capacity,
centrifuge retention capacity, free swell, and absorbency under
load. It also is a feature of an embodiment of the invention to
provide a method of cross-linking a cellulosic fiber that is
relatively simple and inexpensive.
[0013] In accordance with these and other features of embodiments
of the invention, there is provided a chemically cross-linked
cellulosic fiber that has a centrifuge retention capacity, as
determined in accordance with the testing protocol described
herein, of less than about 0.48 grams of a 0.9 wt. % saline
solution per gram of fiber (hereinafter "g/g"), and less than about
0.60 g/g when the fiber is cross-linked with at least one acid
aldehyde cross-linking agent. The chemically cross-linked
cellulosic fiber also preferably has desirable properties, such as
a free swell of greater than about 10 g/g, an absorbent capacity of
greater than about 9.0 g/g, an absorbency under load of greater
than about 8.0 g/g, less than about 10% of knots, less than about
6.5% of fines, an acquisition rate upon the third insult of less
than about 10.0 seconds, and an ISO brightness of greater than
about 80%. These properties may be achieved singly, or in various
combinations with one another.
[0014] In accordance with an additional feature of an embodiment of
the invention, there is provided a method of making a cross-linked
cellulosic fiber that includes supplying a cross-linking agent to a
sheet of caustic treated cellulosic fibers, drying, and curing the
sheet to provide a cross-linked fiber. Another suitable method
includes supplying a cross-linking agent to a cellulose fiber in
fluff form, drying, fluffing, and curing the fluff fiber to provide
a cross-linked fiber.
[0015] In accordance with another feature of an embodiment of the
invention, there is provided a method of utilizing the chemically
cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the present invention in an
absorbent core of an absorbent article, and the absorbent core and
absorbent articles made thereby. The present invention also
provides a method for incorporating the cross-linked fiber and the
absorbent core in an absorbent article.
[0016] The cross-linked fibers of the present invention preferably
have enhanced bulking characteristics, porosity and absorption, may
be substantially free of nits and knots, if desired, are
substantially free of discoloration, and have enhanced brightness.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will appear more fully from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and the
attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an infrared spectrum (1R) of a
cross-linked fiber of the present invention, whereby the fiber was
treated with 10% glyoxylic acid, dried, and cured at 370.degree. F.
for 15 min.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an IR of a cross-linked fiber of the
present invention, whereby the fiber was treated with 45% glyoxylic
acid, dried, and cured at 370.degree. F. for 15 min.
[0019] FIGS. 3a and 3b are scanning electron microscope (SEM)
photographs of a cross-linked fiber of the present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 4a and 4b are SEM photographs of a cross-linked fiber
of the present invention, taken at different magnifications.
[0021] FIGS. 5a and 5b are SEM photographs of a fiber of the
present invention cross-linked with a combination of cross-linking
agents.
[0022] FIGS. 6a and 6b are SEM photographs of cross-sections of a
cross-linked fiber of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention is directed to chemically cross-linked
cellulosic fibers and to a method of making them. The method
comprises cross-linking of cellulosic fiber in sheet, roll, or
fluff form with a multifunctional cross-linking agent.
[0024] As used herein, the terms "absorbent garment," "absorbent
article" or simply "article" or "garment" refer to mechanisms that
absorb and contain body fluids and other body exudates. More
specifically, these terms refer to garments that are placed against
or in proximity to the body of a wearer to absorb and contain the
various exudates discharged from the body. A non-exhaustive list of
examples of absorbent garments includes diapers, diaper covers,
disposable diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products and
adult incontinence products. Such garments may be intended to be
discarded or partially discarded after a single use ("disposable"
garments). Such garments may comprise essentially a single
inseparable structure ("unitary" garments), or they may comprise
replaceable inserts or other interchangeable parts.
[0025] The present invention may be used with all of the foregoing
classes of absorbent garments, without limitation, whether
disposable or otherwise. Some of the embodiments described herein
provide, as an exemplary structure, a diaper for an infant, however
this is not intended to limit the claimed invention. The invention
will be understood to encompass, without limitation, all classes
and types of absorbent garments, including those described
herein.
[0026] Throughout this description, the expressions "upper layer,"
"lower layer," "above" and "below," which refer to the various
components included in the absorbent material are used to describe
the spatial relationship between the respective components. The
upper layer or component "above" the other component need not
always remain vertically above the core or component, and the lower
layer or component "below" the other component need not always
remain vertically below the core or component. Other configurations
are contemplated within the context of the present invention.
[0027] The term "component" can refer, but is not limited, to
designated selected regions, such as edges, corners, sides or the
like; structural members, such as elastic strips, absorbent pads,
stretchable layers or panels, layers of material, or the like.
[0028] Throughout this description, the term "disposed" and the
expressions "disposed on," "disposed above," "disposed below,"
"disposing on," "disposed in," "disposed between" and variations
thereof are intended to mean that one element can be integral with
another element, or that one element can be a separate structure
bonded to or placed with or placed near another element. Thus, a
component that is "disposed on" an element of the absorbent garment
can be formed or applied directly or indirectly to a surface of the
element, formed or applied between layers of a multiple layer
element, formed or applied to a substrate that is placed with or
near the element, formed or applied within a layer of the element
or another substrate, or other variations or combinations
thereof.
[0029] Throughout this description, the terms "top sheet" and "back
sheet" denote the relationship of these materials or layers with
respect to the absorbent core. It is understood that additional
layers may be present between the absorbent core and the top sheet
and back sheet, and that additional layers and other materials may
be present on the side opposite the absorbent core from either the
top sheet or the back sheet.
[0030] Throughout this description, the term "impregnated" insofar
as it relates to a cross-linking agent impregnated in a fiber,
denotes an intimate mixture of cross-linking agents and cellulosic
fiber, whereby the cross-linking agent may be adhered to the
fibers, adsorbed on the surface of the fibers, or linked via
chemical, hydrogen or other bonding (e.g., Van der Waals forces) to
the fibers. Impregnated in the context of the present invention
does not necessarily mean that the cross-linking agent is
physically disposed beneath the surface of the fibers.
[0031] Throughout this description, the expression "second" or
"secondary cross-linking agent" denotes an additional cross-linking
agent, and in no way is intended to mean that the second or
secondary cross-linking agent is present in an amount less than the
first cross-linking agent. Indeed, a number of embodiments of the
invention include those in which the secondary cross-linking agent
is present in an amount greater than the first cross-linking agent.
For example, a blend of cross-linking agents can be used in the
invention whereby the first cross-linking agent is glyoxylic acid
and is present in an amount of 20 wt %, and the secondary
cross-linking agent is citric acid and is present in an amount of
80 wt %.
[0032] The present invention concerns chemically cross-linked
fibers that are useful in absorbent articles, and in particular,
that are useful in forming absorbent cores or acquisition layers in
the absorbent article. The particular construction of the absorbent
article is not critical to the present invention, and any absorbent
article can benefit from this invention. Suitable absorbent
garments are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,281,207,
and 6,068,620, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety including their respective
drawings. Those skilled in the art will be capable of utilizing the
chemically cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the present invention
in absorbent garments, cores, acquisition layers, and the like,
using the guidelines provided herein.
[0033] The cellulosic fibers cross-linked in accordance with the
present invention, preferably possess characteristics that are
desirable in absorbent articles. For example, the cross-linked
cellulosic fibers preferably have a centrifuge retention capacity
of less than about 0.48 grams of synthetic saline per gram of fiber
(hereinafter "g/g"), and less than about 0.60 g/g when cross-linked
with an acid aldehyde cross-linking agent. The chemically
cross-linked cellulosic fiber also has desirable properties, such
as a free swell of greater than about 10 g/g, an absorbent capacity
of greater than about 9.0 g/g, an absorbency under load of greater
than about 8.0 g/g, less than about 10% of knots, less than about
6.5% of fines, an acquisition rate upon the third insult (or third
insult strikethrough) of less than about 10.0 seconds, and an ISO
brightness value of greater than about 80%. The particular
characteristics of the cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the
invention are determined in accordance with the procedures
described in more detail in the examples.
[0034] The centrifuge retention capacity measures the ability of
the fiber to retain fluid against a centrifugal force. It is
preferred that the fibers of the invention have a centrifuge
retention capacity of less than about 0.48 g/g, when cross-linked
with any cross-linking agent, more preferably, less than about 0.45
g/g, even more preferably less than 0.4 g/g, and most preferably
less than about 0.39 g/g. The cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the
present invention can have a centrifuge retention capacity as low
as about 0.37 g/g. It also is preferred that the fibers of the
invention have a centrifuge retention capacity of less than about
0.60 g/g, when cross-linked with an acid aldehyde cross-linking
agent, more preferably, less than about 0.55 g/g, even more
preferably less than 0.5 g/g, and most preferably less than about
0.43 g/g.
[0035] The free swell measures the ability of the fiber to absorb
fluid without being subjected to a confining or restraining
pressure. The free swell preferably is determined by the Teabag
method described herein. It is preferred that the fibers of the
invention have a free swell of more than about 10 g/g, more
preferably, more than about 13 g/g, even more preferably more than
18 g/g, and most preferably more than about 22 g/g. The
cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the present invention can have a
free swell as high as about 29 g/g.
[0036] The absorbent capacity measures the capacity of the fiber to
absorb fluid while under a confining or restraining pressure. It is
preferred that the fibers of the invention have an absorbent
capacity of more than about 9.0 g/g, more preferably, greater than
about 9.5 g/g, even more preferably greater than about 10.5 g/g,
and most preferably greater than about 11.0 g/g. The cross-linked
cellulosic fibers of the present invention can have an absorbent
capacity as high as about 16.0 g/g.
[0037] The absorbency under load measures the ability of the fiber
to absorb fluid against a restraining or confining force over a
given period of time. It is preferred that the fibers of the
invention have an absorbency under load of greater than about 8.0
g/g, although it can be as low as 7.5 g/g, more preferably, greater
than about 8.5 g/g, and most preferably, greater than about 9.0
g/g. The cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the present invention
can have an absorbency under load of as high about 14.0 g/g.
[0038] The third insult strikethrough measures the ability of the
fiber to acquire fluid, and is measured in terms of seconds. It is
preferred that the fibers of the invention have a third insult
strikethrough of less than about 10.0 seconds, more preferably,
less than about 9.7 seconds, even more preferably less than 9.5
seconds, and most preferably less than about 9.0 seconds. The
cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the present invention can have a
third insult strikethrough of as low as about 6.1 seconds.
[0039] The cross-linked fibers of the present invention preferably
have less than about 10% of knots, more preferably less than about
5% knots, and most preferably, less than about 3% knots. The
cross-linked fibers of the present invention also preferably have
less than about 6.5% of fines, preferably less than about 6.3%
fines, and most preferably, less than about 6.0% fines. Indeed, the
cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the present invention can have
fines as low as about 3.2%.
[0040] It also is preferred in the present invention, that the
cross-linked fibers have a dry bulk of at least about 12 cm.sup.3/g
fiber, more preferably at least about 12.5 cm.sup.3/g fiber, even
more preferably at least about 13 cm.sup.3/g fiber, and most
preferably at least about 13.5 cm.sup.3/g fiber.
[0041] The ISO brightness measures the brightness of the fibers,
and is measured using TAPPI methods T272 and T525. It is preferred
that the ISO brightness of the cross-linked fibers of the present
invention be greater than 80%, more preferably, greater than about
83%, even more preferably greater than about 84.5%, and most
preferably, greater than about 85%. It is preferred that the ISO
brightness of the fibers reflect the brightness of the fibers when
formed into a pad
[0042] Any cellulosic fibers can be used in the invention, so long
as they provide the physical characteristics of the fibers
described above. Suitable cellulosic fibers for use in forming the
cross-linked fibers of the present invention include those
primarily derived from wood pulp. Suitable wood pulp can be
obtained from any of the conventional chemical processes, such as
the Kraft and sulfite processes. Preferred fibers are those
obtained from various soft wood pulp such as Southern pine, White
pine, Caribbean pine, Western hemlock, various spruces, (e.g. Sitka
Spruce), Douglas fir or mixtures and combinations thereof. Fibers
obtained from hardwood pulp sources, such as gum, maple, oak,
eucalyptus, poplar, beech, and aspen, or mixtures and combinations
thereof also can be used in the present invention. Other cellulosic
fiber derived form cotton linter, bagasse, kemp, flax, and grass
also may be used in the present invention. The fiber can be
comprised of a mixture of two or more of the foregoing cellulose
pulp products. Particularly preferred fibers for use in forming the
cross-linked fibers of the present invention are those derived from
wood pulp prepared by the Kraft and sulfite-pulping processes.
[0043] The cellulosic fibers can be derived from fibers in any of a
variety of forms. For example, one aspect of the present invention
contemplates using cellulosic fibers in sheet, roll, or fluff form.
In another aspect of the invention, the fiber can be in a mat of
non-woven material. Fibers in mat form are not necessarily rolled
up in a roll form, and typically have a density lower than fibers
in the sheet form. In yet another feature of an embodiment of the
invention, the fiber can be used in the wet or dry state. It is
preferred in the present invention that the cellulosic fibers be
employed in the dry state.
[0044] The fibers of the present invention preferably have a high
surface purity of cellulose, but it is not necessarily required
that the cellulosic fibers have a high cellulose bulk purity. It is
preferred that the cellulosic fiber be cross-linked in the sheet or
roll form, and more preferably, be a caustic treated fiber with
"high cellulose purity." The high cellulose purity refers to the
surface purity of the cellulosic fibers. Throughout this
description, the expression "high cellulose purity" refers to pulp
comprising at least about 65%, preferably at least 75%, and most
preferably, at least about 90% .alpha.-cellulose.
[0045] The cellulosic fiber that is cross-linked in accordance with
the present invention while in the fluff form can be any of wood
pulp fibers or fiber from any other source described previously. In
another aspect of the invention, the cross-linked fibers in the
fluff form suitable for use in the present invention include
caustic treated fiber.
[0046] Caustic treatment can be carried out by any method known in
the art, such as those described in Cellulose and Cellulose
Derivatives, Vol. V, Part 1, Ott, Spurlin, and Grafllin, eds.,
Interscience Publisher (1954). Caustic treatment of pulp can be
carried out by mixing pulp in an aqueous solution of alkali metal,
such as sodium hydroxide, washing, neutralizing or washing and
neutralizing, and optionally drying the pulp.
[0047] The caustics used in the caustic treatment serve to extract
residuals such as lignin and hemicellulose that may be left on the
pulp after the pulping and bleaching processes. While not intending
on being bound by any theory, the inventors believe that these
residuals may be responsible for knots, nits and discoloration in
cross-linked fiber prepared by traditional cross-linking methods.
In addition, treatment with caustic solution at specific
concentrations is capable of converting cellulose from its native
structure form, cellulose I, to a more thermodynamically stable and
less crystalline form cellulose II.
[0048] Reagents suitable for caustic treatment include, but are not
limited to, alkali metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide,
potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and rubidium hydroxide,
lithium hydroxides, and benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxides. Sodium
hydroxyide is a particularly preferred reagent for use in the
caustic treatment to produce cellulosic fibers suitable for
cross-linking in accordance with the present invention. The pulp of
the invention preferably is treated with an aqueous solution
containing from about 4 to about 30% by weight sodium hydroxide,
more preferably from about 6 to about 20%, and most preferably from
about 12 to about 16% by weight, based on the weight of the
solution. Caustic treatment may be performed during or after
bleaching, purification, and drying. Preferably, the caustic
treatment is carried out during the bleaching and/or drying
process.
[0049] It is preferred in the present invention that the caustic
treatment be carried out at or about room temperature. Those
skilled in the art will be capable of treating the fibers with
caustic at a suitable temperature to effect efficient
cross-linking, using the guidelines provided herein.
[0050] After caustic extraction, the cellulose fiber can be of any
purity, and preferably is of high cellulose purity, containing more
than 65% by weight, preferably more than 70%, and even more
preferably at least about 80% by weight of .alpha.-cellulose. It is
even more preferred that the cellulose fiber be comprised of at
least about 90% by weight, more preferably at least about 95% by
weight, and most preferably at least about 97% by weight of
.alpha.-cellulose.
[0051] Commercially available caustic extractive pulp suitable for
use in the present invention include, for example, Porosanier-J-HP,
available from Rayonier Performance Fibers Division (Jesup, Ga.),
and Buckeye's HPZ products, available from Buckeye Technologies
(Perry, Fla.).
[0052] Cross-linking agents suitable for use in the present
invention include acid aldehydes. As used herein, the term "acid
aldehyde" refers to organic molecules having carboxylic acid and
aldehyde functional groups, such as glyoxylic acid and succinic
semialdehyde. Glyoxylic acid is particularly preferred for use in
the present invention.
[0053] In accordance with another feature of the invention, the
invention provides chemically cross-linked fibers that are
cross-linked with a blend of one or more cross-linking agents that
include an acid aldehyde and an additional, or second,
cross-linking agent. For this embodiment, any cross-linking agent
can be used as the secondary cross-linking agent, or additional one
or more cross-linking agents. Suitable additional cross-linking
agents for use in the present invention include polyepoxides that
contain hydrophobic saturated, unsaturated, branched and unbranched
alkyls, such as 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol diglycidyl ether,
diglycidyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicrboxylate, N,N-diglycidylaniline,
N,N-diglcidyl-4-glycidyloxyaniline, and diglycidyl
1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalate and glycerol propoxylate triglycidyl
ether. Various combinations of these cross-linking agents also may
be used.
[0054] Other suitable additional cross-linking agents include
C.sub.2-C.sub.9 polycarboxylic acids, such as butantetracarbocylic
acid, citric acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, and
glutaric acid. Other preferred additional cross-linking agents
include polycarbocxylic acids commercially available as, for
example, polyacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, polyitaconic acid,
polyaspartic acid, and polymethacrylic acid. Particularly preferred
combinations of cross-linking agents include a blend of glyoxylic
acid and citric acid, a blend of glyoxylic acid and polymaleic
acid, and blends of glyoxylic acid, citric acid, and polymaleic
acid.
[0055] In one feature of an embodiment of the invention, the
cross-linking agent may be applied to the cellulose fiber in an
aqueous solution. Preferably, the aqueous solution has a pH of from
about 1 to about 5, more preferably from about 2 to about 3. The
present inventors have discovered that an aqueous solution of an
acid aldehyde cross-linking agent can be used as is without any
adjacent or additional pH control agent.
[0056] In another feature of an embodiment of the invention, a
water insoluble additional cross-linking agent, e.g., polyepoxide,
may be used. When such a water insoluble additional cross-linking
agent is used, it is preferred to add a minor amount of a
surfactant (e.g., a few drops--less than 1% by weight), and the
cross-linking agents then may be applied to the fiber as a
dispersion as opposed to an aqueous solution.
[0057] In general any type of surfactant capable of forming a
dispersion with the water insoluble additional cross-linking agent
can be used. Suitable surfactants include nonionic, anionic, or
cationic surfactants, or mixtures and combinations of surfactants
that are compatible with each other. Preferably, the surfactant is
selected from Triton X-100 (Rohm and Haas), Triton X405 (Rohm and
Haas), sodium lauryl sulfate, lauryl bromoethyl ammonium chloride,
ethoxylated nonylphenols, polyoxyethylene alky ethers,
polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, and polyoxyethylene fatty acid
ester.
[0058] The cellulosic fiber preferably is treated with an effective
amount of cross-linking agent to achieve the absorbent properties
and physical characteristics described herein. Generally, the
fibers are treated with from about 1.0% to 10.0% by weight
cross-linking agent, more preferably from about 2% to 6%, and most
preferably from about 3% to 5%. The additional cross-linking agent,
if used, preferably is present in the mixture in the amount of from
about 5 to about 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the
mixture of cross-linking agents, more preferably, the additional
cross-linking agent is present in amount of about 20 to 60% by
weight, based on the total weight of the mixture of cross-linking
agents. Optionally, the method of forming the cellulosic fiber in
accordance with the invention includes a catalyst to speed up the
formation of an ester linkage between the hydroxyl groups of the
cellulose and the cross-linking agent acid aldehyde groups. The
cross-linking reaction of the present invention, however, does not
require a catalyst. To the extent that a catalyst is used, any
catalyst known in the art that is capable of accelerating the
formation of an ester bond between hydroxyl groups and acid groups
could be used in the present invention. Catalysts suitable for
cross-linking include alkali metal salts of phosphorous containing
acids, such as alkali metal hypophosphites, alkali metal
phosphites, alkali metal polyphosphonates, alkali metal phosphates,
and alkali metal sulfonates. A particularly preferred catalyst is
sodium hypophosphite. A suitable weight ratio of catalyst to acid
aldehyde is, for example, from 1:1 to 1:10, preferably 1:2 to
1:6.
[0059] A catalyst also may be used to promote the reaction between
polyepoxides and cellulose hydroxyl groups, to the extent a
cross-linking agent containing polyepoxide groups is used as an
additional cross-linking agent. When caustic treated fiber is used
as the cellulosic fiber, however, a catalyst is not required. Any
catalyst known in the art to accelerate the formation of an ether
bond or linkage between the hydroxyl groups of cellulose and an
epoxide group can be used in the present invention. Preferably, the
catalyst is a Lewis acid selected from aluminum sulfate, magnesium
sulfate, and any Lewis acid that contains at least a metal and a
halogen, including, for example FeCl.sub.3, AlCl.sub.3, and
MgCl.sub.2. The catalyst can be applied to the fiber as a mixture
with the cross-linking agent(s), before the addition of the
cross-linking agent(s), or after the addition of cross-linking
agent(s) to cellulosic fiber.
[0060] Any method of applying the cross-linking agent(s) to the
fiber can be used in carrying out the cross-linking method of the
invention. Acceptable methods include, for example, spraying,
dipping, impregnation, and the like. Preferably, the fiber is
impregnated with an aqueous solution of cross-linking agent.
Impregnation usually creates a uniform distribution of
cross-linking agent on the fiber and provides for better
penetration of cross-linking agent into the interior part of the
fiber.
[0061] In one embodiment of the invention, a sheet of caustic
treated fiber in the roll form is conveyed through a treatment zone
where a cross-linking agent(s) is applied on both surfaces by
conventional methods, such as spraying, rolling, dipping, knife
coating, or other manners of impregnation. Preferred means of
applying the aqueous solution of cross-linking agent(s) to fiber in
the roll form is by puddle press, size press, and blade coater.
[0062] Fibers in fluff, roll, or sheet form after treatment with
the cross-linking agent(s) then are preferably dried and cured in a
two stage process, and even more preferably, dried and cured in one
stage. Such drying and curing is believed to remove water from the
fiber, thereupon inducing the formation of an ester and an ether
linkage between the hydroxyl groups of the fiber and the
cross-linking agent(s), or "curing." Curing usually is carried out
in a forced draft oven preferably from about 300.degree. F. to
about 435.degree. F., and more preferably from about 320.degree. F.
to about 425.degree. F., and most preferably from about 360.degree.
F. to about 390.degree. F. Curing preferably is carried out for a
period of time that permits complete fiber drying and efficient
cross-linking. It is preferred that the cellulosic fiber be cured
for a period of time ranging from about 1 minute to about 25
minutes, and more preferably from about 2 minutes to about 15
minutes, most preferably from about 3 minutes to about 8
minutes.
[0063] In the case where the fibers are cross-linked in fluff form,
they preferably are defiberized by passing them through a
hammermill or the like, and then heated at elevated temperatures to
promote cross-linking. The cellulosic fibers in fiber form can be
dried at ambient temperatures or at temperatures below the curing
temperature. Preferably, the cellulosic fibers in fluff form are
treated initially with the cross-linking agent(s), then fluffed,
and then dried and cured at elevated temperatures in one
procedure.
[0064] Where the cellulosic fibers to be treated with the
cross-linking agent(s) are in roll or sheet form, it is preferred
that the fibers be dried and then cured, and more preferably dried
and cured in one procedure. In one feature of an embodiment of the
present invention, the fiber in sheet or roll form after having
been treated with a solution of cross-linking agent(s) is
transported by a conveying device, such as belt or a series of
driven rollers, through a two-zone oven for drying and curing. In
another feature of an embodiment of the present invention, fibers
in the non-woven-mat form after having been treated with a solution
of cross-linking agent(s) preferably are transported by a conveying
device, such as belt or a series of driven rollers, though a
hammermill. The defiberized pulp produced by the hammermill then
preferably is conveyed through a two-zone oven for drying and
curing, preferably through a one step procedure in a one-zone oven
for drying and curing.
[0065] The present inventors have surprisingly found that fibers
cross-linked in accordance with the present invention with a
mixture of cross-linking agent(s), where the secondary or
additional cross-linking agent is a polyepoxide, displayed
significant increases in absorbency under load, softness, absorbent
capacity, free swell, bulk, and brightness.
[0066] There are several advantages in the present invention for
cross-linking fibers in the sheet form besides being more
economical. Fibers cross-linking in sheet form are expected to
increase the potential for inter-fiber cross-linking which leads to
"knots" and "nits" resulting in poor performance in some
applications. For instance, when a standard purity fluff pulp,
Rayfloc-J, is cross-linked in sheet form, the "knot" content
increases substantially indicating increased deleterious
inter-fiber bonding. Examination of these "knots" recovered by
classification showed they contained true "nits" (hard fiber
bundles). Surprisingly, it was found that high purity mercerized
pulp cross-linked in sheet or roll form actually yields far fewer
knots and nits than control pulps having conventional cellulose
purity. Significantly, fibers in the sheet or roll from that were
cross-linked in accordance to the present invention were found to
contain far fewer knots than a commercial individualized
cross-linked fiber, like those produced by the Weyerhaeuser Company
commonly referred to as HBA (for high-bulk additive) and by Proctor
& Gamble ("P&G"). It is preferred in the present invention
that the cross-linked fibers have less than about 5% knots and
nits, more preferably, less than about 4.5%, and most preferably
less than about 4%.
[0067] Another benefit of using caustic treated cellulose pulp to
produce cross-linked pulp in fluff or sheet form according to the
present invention is that the color forming bodies (hemicelluloses
and lignins) are substantially removed, and the fiber is more
stable to color reversion at elevated temperature. Since
cross-linking of cellulose requires high temperatures (typically
around 185.degree. C. for 10-15 minutes), this can lead to
substantial discoloration with the conventional fluff pulps that
are presently used. In product applications where pulp brightness
is an issue, the use of high purity cellulose pulp according to the
present invention offers additional advantages.
[0068] Another benefit of the present invention is that
cross-linked cellulose pulp sheets made in accordance with the
present invention enjoy the same or better performance
characteristics as conventional individualized cross-linked
cellulose fibers, but avoid the processing problems associated with
dusty individualized cross-linked fibers.
[0069] Cross-linked cellulosic fibers prepared in accordance with
the present invention can be utilized, for example, as a bulking
material, in the manufacture of high bulk specialty fiber
applications that require good absorbency and porosity. The
cross-linked fibers can be used, for example, in non-woven, fluff
absorbent applications. The fibers can be used independently, or
preferably incorporated into other cellulosic fibers to form blends
using conventional techniques, such as air laying techniques. In an
airlaid process, the fibers, alone or combined in blends with other
fibers are blown onto a forming screen or drawn onto the screen via
a vacuum. Wet laid processes may also be used, combining the
cross-linked fibers of the invention with other cellulosic fibers
to form sheets or webs of blends.
[0070] The cross-linked fiber of the present invention can be
incorporated into various absorbent articles preferably intended
for body waste management such as adult incontinent pads, feminine
care products, and infant diapers. The cross-linked fiber can be
used as an acquisition layer in the absorbent articles. Also it can
be utilized in the absorbent core of the absorbent articles. Towels
and wipes also may be made with the cross-linked fibers of the
present invention, and other absorbent products such as filters.
Accordingly, an additional feature of the present invention is to
provide an absorbent core and an absorbent article that includes
the chemically cross-linked fibers of the present invention.
[0071] The cross-linked fibers of the invention were incorporated
into an acquisition layer of an absorbent article, and the
absorbent article was tested by the Specific Absorption Rate Test
(SART) test method, where acquisition time of the fiber is
important. The SART test method is described in detail in the
Examples. It was observed that the absorbent article that contained
cross-linked fibers of the present invention provided results
comparable to those obtained from using commercial cross-linked
fiber, especially those cross-linked with citric acid or other
polycarboxylic acids. The present inventors unexpectedly discovered
that Porosanier-J-HP cross-linked in sheet form in accordance with
the present invention provided the best results, as shown by the
SART method. Caustic treated fiber cross-linked in fluff form using
currently available approaches provided superior acquisition time
compared to those derived from conventional purity pulp used in
current industrial practice (see Table 10, example 9 below).
[0072] As is known in the art, absorbent cores typically are
prepared using fluff pulp to wick the liquid, and an absorbent
polymer (oftentimes a superabsorbent polymer (SAP)) to store
liquid. As noted previously, the cross-linked fibers of the present
invention have high resiliency, high free swell capacity, high
absorbent capacity and absorbency under load, and low third insult
strikethrough times. Furthermore, the cross-linked fibers of the
present invention are highly porous. Accordingly, the cross-linked
fibers of the present invention can be used in combination with the
SAP to prepare an absorbent composite (or core) having improved
porosity, bulk, resiliency, wicking, softness, absorbent capacity,
absorbency under load, low third insult strikethrough, low
centrifuge retention capacity, and the like. The absorbent
composite could be used as an absorbent core of the absorbent
articles intended for body waste management.
[0073] It is preferred in the present invention that the
cross-linked fibers be present in the absorbent composite in an
amount ranging from about 10 to about 80% by weight, based on the
total weight of the composite. More preferably, the cross-linked
fibers are present in an absorbent composite from about 20 to about
60% by weight. A mixture of conventional cellulosic fibers and
cross-linked fibers of the present invention along with the SAP
also can be used to make the absorbent composite. Preferably, the
cross-linked fibers of the present invention are present in the
fiber mixture in an amount from about 1 to 70% by weight, based on
the total weight of the fiber mixture, and more preferably present
in an amount from about 10 to about 40% by weight. Any conventional
cellulosic fiber may be used in combination with the cross-linked
fibers of the invention. Suitable additional conventional
cellulosic fibers include any of the wood fibers mentioned
previously, caustic treated fibers, rayon, cotton linters, and
mixtures and combinations thereof.
[0074] Any suitable SAP can be used, or other absorbent material,
to form the absorbent composite, absorbent core, and absorbent
article of the present invention. The SAP can be in the form of,
for example, fiber, flakes, or granules, and preferably is capable
of absorbing several times its weight of saline (0.9% solution of
NaCl in water) and/or blood. The SAP also preferably is capable of
retaining the liquid when it is subjected to a load. Non-limiting
examples of superabsorbent polymers applicable for use in the
present invention include any SAP presently available on the
market, including, but not limited to, polyacrylate polymers,
starch graft copolymers, cellulose graft copolymers, and
cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose derivatives, and mixtures and
combinations thereof.
[0075] An absorbent composite made in accordance with the present
invention preferably contains the SAP in an amount of from about 20
to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composite,
and more preferably from about 30 to about 60% by weight. The
absorbent polymer may be distributed throughout an absorbent
composite within the voids in the cross-linked fiber or the mixture
of cross-linked fibers and cellulosic fibers. In another
embodiment, the superabsorbent polymer is attached to the fiber via
a binding agent that includes, for example, a material capable of
cross-linking the SAP to the fiber via hydrogen bonding, (see, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,570, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety).
[0076] A method of making an absorbent composite of the present
invention may include forming a pad of cross-linked fibers or a
mixture cross-linked fibers and cellulosic fibers, and
incorporating particles of superabsorbent polymer in the pad. The
pad can be wet laid or airlaid. Preferably the pad is airlaid. It
also is preferred that the SAP and cross-linked fibers, or a
mixture of cross-linked fibers and cellulosic fibers, are air laid
together.
[0077] Absorbent cores containing cross-linked fibers and
superabsorbent polymer preferably have dry densities of between
about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 and 0.50 g/cm.sup.3, and more preferably from
about 0.2/cm.sup.3 to 0.4 g/cm.sup.3. The absorbent core can be
incorporated into a variety of absorbent articles, preferably those
articles intended for body waste management, such as diapers,
training pants, adult incontinence products, feminine care
products, and toweling (wet and dry wipes).
[0078] While not intending on being limited by any theory of
operation, the reaction scheme shown below represents one of the
possible mechanisms of the fiber reaction with a glyoxylic acid
cross-linking agent. The scheme is provided for the purpose of
illustrating, not limiting, the cross-linking reaction of the
present invention.
[0079] As shown in the following scheme, the cross-linking reaction
between the cellulosic fiber and glyoxylic acid is a self-catalyzed
reaction, which starts at room temperature via the formation of a
hemiacetal linkage. The formation of the hemiacetal is promoted by
the intra- and inter-hydrogen bonding in the glyoxylic acid
molecule (see the reaction scheme below). The hydrogen bonding
increases the electrophilicity of the aldehyde carbon and makes it
more susceptible to attack by the cellulose hydroxyl groups. As a
result, the hemiacetal linkage forms at room temperature. The
formation of the hemiacetal linkage is believed to stabilize the
glyoxylic acid from decomposing upon heating at high temperature to
complete the cross-linking.
[0080] In one embodiment, the cross-linked fiber and method of the
present invention differs from conventional cross-linking methods
whereby the cross-linking of the present invention begins at room
temperature. In another embodiment, the cross-linking does not need
a catalyst to proceed, and hence, can be considered a "self
catalyzed process." In another embodiment, the cross-linking agent
is attached to the cellulosic fiber from three sites via a
combination of ether and an ester bonding. In another embodiment,
after curing the cellulosic fiber is totally free from
cross-linking agents, because the non-reacted cross-linking agent
decomposes during the curing process. 1
[0081] The stability of the cross-links formed in cellulosic fiber
of the present invention was examined by an aging process described
below in example 8. The cross-linked fiber of the invention showed
little or no change in bulk after heating it for about 20 h at
90.degree. C. In addition, fiber stored at ambient temperature and
humidity for over 3 months exhibited a bulk that remained unchanged
during this period of time.
[0082] The infrared (1R) spectra of the cross-linked fiber treated
in the sheet form with glyoxylic acid are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A
Nicolet MAGNA 760 FTIR Spectrometer (Madison, Wis., USA) with a
Thunderdome was used to collect the infrared spectrum data. IR
spectrum shown in FIG. 1 represents a fiber treated with 10%
glyoxylic acid dried and cured at 370.degree. F. for 15 min. The IR
spectrum shows only one carbonyl-stretching band at 1741 cm.sup.-1.
The band could be assigned to an ester carbonyl stretching. The
absence of other carbonyl stretching bands between 1720-1710
cm.sup.-1 rule out the presence of the carboxyl acid groups. In
addition, the absence of the C-H stretching vibration bands
typically present in 2830-2695 proves that the aldehyde functional
groups are completely reacted.
[0083] FIG. 2 illustrates the IR spectrum of a fiber treated with
45% glyoxylic acid, dried and cured at 370.degree. F. for 15 min.
The spectrum is similar to that show in FIG. 1. Specifically, the
spectrum of FIG. 2 shows the presence of an ester functional group,
and the absence of the carboxylic acid and aldehyde functional
groups.
[0084] Scanning electron microscope S360 (Leica Cambridge Ltd.,
Cambridge, England) photographs of representative cross-linked
fibers of the present invention obtained from cross-linking of
fiber (16%), caustic treated at room temperature, and glyoxylic
acid (5%) are illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The photographs were
taken at 75.times. magnification for FIG. 3A, and 1000.times.
magnification for FIG. 3B.
[0085] Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) photographs of
representative cross-linked fibers of the present invention
obtained from cross-linking of conventional fiber (Rayfloc-J) in
the fluff from with glyoxylic acid (5%) are shown in FIGS. 4A and
4B. The SEM photographs were taken at 75.times. magnification for
FIG. 4A, and at 350.times. magnification for FIG. 4B.
[0086] SEM photographs of representative cross-linked fibers of the
present invention obtained from cross-linking of fiber (16%)
caustic treated at about room temperature with a mixture of
glycidyl 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylate (1%) and glyoxylic acid (4%)
are illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The SEM photographs were taken
at 75.times. magnification for FIG. 5A, and at 350.times.
magnification for FIG. 5B.
[0087] An SEM photograph of the cross section of a representative
cross-linked fiber of the present invention obtained from
cross-linking fiber (16%) caustic treated at about room temperature
with 3% glyoxylic acid is shown in FIG. 6A. The SEM photograph
shown in FIG. 6A) was taken at 350.times. magnification. An SEM
photograph of the cross section of a representative cross-linked
fiber of the present invention obtained from cross-linking
Rayfloc-J fiber with 3% glyoxylic acid is shown in FIG. 6B. The SEM
photograph shown in FIG. 6B was taken at 350.times.
magnification.
[0088] As shown in these figures, the cross-linked fibers of the
present invention are twisted and curled. The cross-linked fibers
prepared from caustic treated fiber are round while those prepared
from pulp with conventional purity are flat and ribbon-like.
Furthermore, the cross-linked fibers of the present invention are
highly porous.
[0089] To evaluate the various attributes of the present invention,
several tests were used to characterize the cross-linked fibers'
performance improvements resulting from the presently described
method.
[0090] The invention will be illustrated but not limited by the
following examples.
EXAMPLES
[0091] The following test methods were used to measure and
determine various physical characteristics of the inventive
cross-linked cellulosic fibers.
Test Methods
[0092] The Teabag Method
[0093] The Teabag Method is a test method used to measure the
absorbent capacity under zero load, or "free swell" of the
inventive cross-linked fiber. In this test, 2.000 g (.+-.0.001 g)
of cross-linked fiber is placed into a pre-weighed (.+-.0.001 g)
cloth teabag whereby the open end of the tea bag that contained the
cross-linked fiber was sealed with an iron. The teabag and contents
then was placed in a pan of 0.9% saline solution and allowed to
soak for 30 minutes. The teabag then was removed from the solution,
hanged on a drip rack, and allowed to drip dry for 10 minutes. The
teabag and contents were weighed and the amount of solution
retained in the fibers was determined. A teabag containing no
fibers was run under similar conditions, and serves as a blank. The
results are used to calculate the amount of saline in grams
retained per gram of cross-linked fiber and are expressed as free
swell in the units of g/g. The free swell is determined in
accordance with the equation below:
Free swell=[Weight of sample-(Weight of dry sample+Weight of
teabag+Weight of liquid absorbed by blank)]/Weight of dry
sample.
[0094] The Absorbency Test Method
[0095] The absorbency test method was used to determine the
absorbency under load, absorbent capacity, and centrifuge retention
capacity of the cross-linked fibers of the present invention. The
absorbency test was carried out in a one inch inside diameter
plastic cylinder having a 100-mesh metal screen adhering to the
cylinder bottom "cell," containing a plastic spacer disk having a
0.995 inch diameter and a weight of about 4.4 g. In this test, the
weight of the cell containing the spacer disk was determined to the
nearest 0.0001 g, and then the spacer was removed from the cylinder
and about 0.35 g of cross-linked fiber having a moisture content
within the range of from about 4% to about 8% by weight were
air-laid into the cylinder. The spacer disk then was inserted back
into the cylinder on the fiber, and the cylinder group was weighed
to the nearest 0.0001 g. The fiber in the cell was compressed with
a load of 4 psi for 60 seconds, the load then was removed and fiber
pad was allowed to equilibrate for 60 seconds. The pad thickness
was measured, and the result was used to calculate the dry bulk of
the cross-linked fiber.
[0096] A load of 0.3 psi then was applied to the fiber pad by
placing a 100 g weight on the top of the spacer disk, and the pad
was allowed to equilibrate for 60 seconds, after which the pad
thickness was measured. The cell and its contents then were hanged
in a Petri dish containing a sufficient amount of saline solution
(0.9% by weight saline) to touch the bottom of the cell. The cell
was allowed to stand in the Petri dish for 10 minutes, and the it
was removed and hanged in another empty Petri dish and allowed to
drip for 30 seconds. While the pad still was under the load, its
thickness was measured. The 100 g weight then was removed and the
weight of the cell and contents was determined. The weight of the
saline solution absorbed per gram fiber then was determined and
expressed as the absorbency under load (g/g).
[0097] The absorbent capacity of the cross-linked fiber was
determined in the same manner as the test used to determine
absorbency under load above, except that this experiment was
carried out under a load of 0.01 psi. The results are used to
determine the weight of the saline solution absorbed per gram fiber
and expressed as the absorbent capacity (g/g).
[0098] The cell from the absorbent capacity experiment then was
centrifuged for 3 min at 1400 rpm (Centrifuge Model HN,
International Equipment Co., Needham HTS, USA), and weighed. The
results obtained were used to calculate the weight of saline
solution retained per gram fiber, and expressed as the centrifuge
retention capacity (g/g).
[0099] Fiber Quality
[0100] Fiber quality evaluations were carried out on an Op Test
Fiber Quality Analyzer (Op Test Equipment Inc., Waterloo, Ontario,
Canada) and Fluff Fiberization Measuring Instruments (Model 9010,
Johnson Manufacturing, Inc., Appleton, Wis., USA).
[0101] Op Test Fiber Quality Analyzer is an optical instrument that
has the capability to measure average fiber length, kink, curl, and
fines content.
[0102] Fluff Fiberization Measuring Instrument is used to measure
knits and fine contents of fiber. In this instrument, a sample of
fiber in fluff form was continuously dispersed in an air stream.
During dispersion, loose fibers passed through a 16 mesh screen
(1.18 mm) and then through a 42 mesh (0.36 mm) screen. Pulp bundles
(knots) which remained in the dispersion chamber and those that
were trapped on the 42-mesh screen were removed and weighed. The
former are called "knots" and the latter "accepts." The combined
weight of these two was subtracted from the original weight to
determine the weight of fibers that passed through the 0.36 mm
screen. These fibers were referred to as "fines."
Example 1
[0103] This example illustrates a representative method for making
caustic treated pulp and cross-linking it.
[0104] A sample of Rayfloc.RTM.-J-LD (never dried) was obtained as
a 33.7% solid wet lap from a Rayonier mill at Jesup, Ga., and is an
untreated southern pine Kraft pulp sold by Rayonier Performance
Fibers Division, Jesup, Ga. and Fernandina Beach, Fla. for use in
products requiring good absorbency, such as absorbent cores in
diapers. A 70.0 g (dry weight basis) sample was treated with an
aqueous solution of 16% (w/w) sodium hydroxide at a consistency of
3.5%. Treatment was carried out at room temperature for about 10
min, and excess NaOH was then removed by suction filtration or
centrifuge. The resulting caustic treated pulp was washed with
excess water, neutralized to a pH of 5.4 with acetic acid solution
(0.01 M) at a consistency of about 3.5%. The pulp then was formed
into a sheet (12.times.12 inch) and treated while in the wet state
with a 4.5% aqueous solution of glyoxylic acid by dipping and
pressing to afford a sheet having 5% glyoxylic acid on fiber. The
treated sheet was then dried and cured at 370.degree. F. for about
15 min. The cured sheet was fiberized by feeding it through a
Hammer Mill. The absorbent properties (free swell, absorbent
capacity, absorbency under load, centrifuge retention) of the
resulting fibers were then determined. Results obtained from sheets
cross-linked in the same manner at different curing times are
summarized in Table 1. Results summarized in Table 1 indicate that,
longer curing time is preferred in the present invention to provide
for complete cross-linking.
1TABLE 1 Absorbent properties of fiber cross-linked with glyoxylic
acid (5%) at different cure time: Cure temperature 370.degree. F.
Absorbent Centrifuge Curing Absorbency Under Capacity Free Swell
Retention Time (min) Load (g/g) (g/g) (g/g) (g/g) 15 9.0 10.6 21.0
0.37 10 8.9 10.0 20.0 0.46 5 10.0 11.1 25.0 0.60
Example 2
[0105] This example illustrates the effect of curing time on
absorbent properties of a representative cross-linked fiber formed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0106] Fibers were caustic treated and cross-linked with glyoxylic
acid as in example 1 above, except that the caustic treated sheet
was dried in an oven at 60.degree. C. before treatment with
glyoxylic acid (2.6%) solution. Final percentage of glyoxylic acid
on fiber was 3% by weight, based on dry sheet weight. The results
are shown in Table 2 below.
2TABLE 2 Absorbent properties of fiber cross-linked with glyoxylic
acid (3%) at various curing time: Cure temperature 370.degree. F.
Centrifuge Cure time Absorbency under Absorbent Free Swell
Retention (min) Load (g/g) capacity (g/g) (g/g) (g/g) --.sup.1 10.0
0.97 .sup.2 8.6 10.2 21.5 0.72 3 8.5 9.9 22.0 0.51 5 8.4 9.9 22.4
0.51 10 8.5 10.1 22.0 0.50 .sup.1Mercerized pulp untreated with
cross-linking agent glyoxylic acid. .sup.2 No curing was carried
out on this sheet, only drying.
[0107] The results summarized in Table 2 reveal that the absorbent
properties of the cross-linked fibers depend on curing time.
Increasing the cure time generally results in a cross-linked fiber
having better absorbent properties. In addition, the results in
Table 2 reveal that partial curing may occur at low temperature,
since centrifuge retention of caustic treated pulp decreased from
1.0 g to 0.72 g upon treatment with glyoxylic acid and drying at
60.degree. C.
Example 3
[0108] This example illustrates the effect of increasing the amount
of glyoxylic acid on absorbent properties of a representative
cross-linked fiber formed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0109] The pulp used in this example was Porosanier-J, which is
commercially available from the Rayonier mill at Jesup, Ga., and
was obtained in roll form. Five sheets (12.times.12 inch), each
weighing about 70.0 g (dry weight base) were obtained from the
roll. The sheets were treated with an aqueous solution of glyoxylic
acid at room temperature and at various concentrations, and cured
at 370.degree. F. for 15 min. The results are shown in Table 3
below.
3TABLE 3 Absorbent properties of fiber cross-linked with various
amount of glyoxylic acid: Cure temperature 370.degree. F. for 15
min (includes drying) Absorbency Centrifuge % of glyoxylic under
Load Absorbent Free Swell Retention acid on fiber (0.3 psi) (g/g)
Capacity (g/g) (g/g) (g/g) 8.0 8.6 10.1 19.4 0.39 5.4 9.0 10.6 21.0
0.37 4.0 9.3 10.5 22.7 0.39 3.0 8.6 10.2 21.0 0.43 2.0 8.3 9.80
20.8 0.46
[0110] The results summarized in Table 3 reveal that the highest
absorbency under load and free swell were achieved with about 4%
cross-linking agent on fiber. Also, the results show that
increasing the amount of cross-linking agent decreases the
centrifuge retention capacity of the fiber. However, increasing the
amount of cross-linking agent on fiber to about 8% did not show any
substantial effect on fiber absorbent properties.
Example 4
[0111] This example illustrates the effect of curing temperature on
absorbent properties of a representative cross-linked fiber formed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0112] The pulp used in this example was Porosanier-J, commercially
available from the Rayonier mill at Jesup, Ga., and obtained in the
roll form. Five sheets (12.times.12 inch), each weighing about 70.0
g (dry weight base) were obtained from the roll. The sheets were
treated with an aqueous solution of glyoxylic acid at about room
temperature to provide a final percentage of glyoxylic acid on
fiber of about 4% by weight, based on the sheet weight. The treated
sheets then were cured at various cure temperatures for 15 min.
Absorbent properties of cross-linked sheets as a function of cure
temperature are evaluated and results are summarized in Table
4.
4TABLE 4 Absorbent properties of fiber cross-linked with glyoxylic
acid at various curing temperatures: Cure time 15 min Absorbency
Centrifuge Curing under Load Absorbent Free Swell Retention
temperature .degree. F. (g/g) capacity (g/g) (g/g) (g/g) 300 8.5
9.6 20.3 0.62 320 8.4 9.7 21.5 0.52 340 9.0 10.4 21.8 0.50 370 9.3
10.5 22.7 0.39 420 9.2 10.3 22.3 0.39
[0113] The results summarized in Table 4 reveal that absorbency
under load, absorbent capacity, and free swell increase with
increasing cure temperature, whereas centrifuge retention capacity
decreases with increasing cure temperature. These results indicate
that cross-linking efficiency increases with increasing the cure
temperature. However, increasing the cure temperature from 370 to
420.degree. F. did not provide any substantial change in fiber
absorbent properties.
Example 5
[0114] This example illustrates a representative method for making
cross-linked fiber in the fluff from.
[0115] A sample of Rayfloc.RTM.-J-LD (never dried) was obtained as
a 33.7% solid wet lap from Rayonier mill at Jesup, Ga. A 70.0 g
(dry weight base) sample was treated with an aqueous solution of 4%
(w/w) sodium hydroxide at a consistency of 3.5%. Treatment was
carried out at room temperature for about 15 min, and excess NaOH
was removed by suction filtration or centrifuge. The resulting
caustic treated pulp was washed with excess water, neutralized to a
pH of 5.4 with acetic acid solution (0.01 M) at a consistency of
about 3.5%. The pulp was then treated while in the wet state with a
2.2% aqueous solution of glyoxylic acid by dipping and pressing to
afford a fiber having 4% by weight glyoxylic acid. The treated
fiber was then dried at room temperature, defiberized by feeding it
through a hammermill (Kamas Mill H01, Kamas Industries AB,
Vellinge, Sweden), and cured at 370.degree. F. Fiber absorbent
properties and bulk were then evaluated. Results obtained from
fiber treated with various concentrations of sodium hydroxide and
cross-linked in the same manner are summarized in Tables 5 and
6.
5TABLE 5 Cross-linking of non mercerized and mercerized Rayfloc-J
in the fluff form at constant curing temperature (370.degree. F.).
Curing Absorbency Absorbent Free Centrifuge % of aqueous time under
Load capacity Swell Retention NaOH (min) (g/g) (g/g) (g/g) (g/g) --
5 13.8 15.8 25.0 0.55 -- 10 14.0 15.8 29.0 0.51 4 5 12.7 14.5 25.0
0.56 4 10 13.6 16.0 27.5 0.55 8 5 11.7 13.3 25.4 0.53 8 10 12.2
14.0 29.0 0.48
[0116]
6TABLE 6 Cross-linked fiber in fluff form, dry and wet bulk: cure
temperature 370.degree. F., cure time 10 min % of aqueous Curing
time NaOH (min) Dry Bulk cc/g Wet Bulk cc/g -- 10 19.6 16.0 4 10
22.0 16.1 8 10 20.2 15.7
Example 6
[0117] This representative example illustrates the effect of using
a mixture of cross-linking agents on the absorbent properties of
cross-linked fibers.
[0118] The pulp used in this example was Porosanier-J, commercially
available from the Rayonier mill at Jesup, Ga., and obtained in the
roll form. Four sheets (12.times.12 inch), each weighing about 70.0
g (dry weight basis) were obtained from the roll. The sheets were
treated at about room temperature with an aqueous solution of a
mixture of glyoxylic acid and various polyepoxide cross-linking
agents at various concentrations in the presence of an emulsifying
agent Triton X-100 (0.1% of the total weight of cross-linking
agents). The treated fibers were cured at 370.degree. F. for 15
min. The absorbent properties of cross-linked fibers were evaluated
and the results are summarized in Table 7 below.
7TABLE 7 Absorbent properties of fiber cross-linked with a mixture
cross- linking agents: Cure temperature 370.degree. F. (includes
drying and curing) Absorbency Absorbent Centrifuge Cross-linking
agent) under Load capacity Free Swell Retention and % on Fiber (0.3
psi) g/g g/g g/g g/g Glyoxylic acid (3%) + 8.4 10.2 21.6 0.46
PPGDGE (2%) Glyoxylic acid (4%) + 8.4 10.0 20.0 0.48 PPGDGE (1%)
Glyoxylic acid(3%) + 8.1 10.3 23.0 0.46 DG-1,2-CHDC (2%) Glyoxylic
acid(4%) + 7.8 9.7 21.5 0.42 DG-1,2-CHDC (1%)
Example 7
[0119] This example reveals the percent of fines and knots in
representative cross-linked fibers made in accordance with the
present invention, when compared to commercially available
cross-linked fibers.
8TABLE 8 Fines and knots contents % of Cross- linking agent % of %
of Fiber Cross-linking agent on fiber fines knots Porosanier 2.1
12.4 P & G (Pamper .RTM. 5.9 13.8 AL material) HBA 6.0 11.9
Porosanier Fiber Mixture of 4.2 4.4 1.5 (sheet form) polymaleic
acid (20%) and citric acid (80%) Cross-linked fiber Glyoxylic acid
3.0 5.3 2.4 (sheet form) Cross-linked fiber Glyoxylic acid 4.0 4.3
4.9 (sheet form) Individualized Glyoxylic acid 5 5.3 23.6
cross-linked.sup.1 fiber Individualized Glyoxylic acid 3 3.2 16.0
cross-linked fiber.sup.2 Cross-linked fiber Glyoxylic acid (80%)
5.0 0.9 5.0 (sheet form) and Diglycidyl 1,2- cyclohexane
dicarboxylate (2%) .sup.1Prepared from pulp with conventional
purity. .sup.2Prepared from caustic (4%) treated fiber.
[0120] As indicated in Table 8, the percentage of knots in
representative fibers cross-linked in sheet form using caustic
treated pulp is significantly lower than that for commercially
available cross-linked fiber and fiber cross-linked in fluff form
in accordance with the present invention using pulp with
conventional purity.
Example 8
[0121] This example describes the "aging" test method used to study
the resistance of representative samples of cross-linked fiber made
in accordance with present invention to revert to uncross-linked
fiber. Such reversion was observed in traditional cross-linked
fiber made from cross-linking fibers with alkane polycarboxylic
acids, such as citric acid.
[0122] The aging test was carried out on two representative samples
of cross-linked fibers made in accordance with the present
invention, as described in Example 4 above. Each sample weighed
about 2.000 g, the samples were airlaid to pads each having a
diameter of about 60.4 mm. One pad served as a blank, and the other
was aged by heating it in an oven with a controlled humidity of 80%
to about 85% at 90.degree. C. for 20 hr. After the setting time,
the sample pad was allowed to equilibrate in a 50% humidity
environment at room temperature for 24 hours. The two pads (sample
and blank) then were compressed with a load of about 7.6 psi for 60
seconds, the weights were removed, and the pads were allowed to
equilibrate for 1 minute. The thickness of the pads were measured
and bulk was determined.
[0123] The absorbent properties of blank and sample were determined
by the absorbency test method described above. The results are
summarized in Table 9 below.
9TABLE 9 Absorbent properties of aged fiber Dry Absorbency
Cross-linked Fiber Bulk Under Load Absorbent Centrifuge (3%
glyoxylic acid) cc/g g/g capacity g/g Retention g/g Aged Sample
14.1 8.3 9.4 0.41 Blank 14.0 8.6 10.2 0.43
[0124] The results summarized in Table 9 reveal that the bulk and
centrifuge retention of cross-linked fiber remained unchanged after
heating the fiber at elevated temperature for a long period of
time. These results indicate that the cross-linkage in the fibers
cross-linked in accordance with the present invention are
stable.
Example 9
[0125] This example provides the acquisition times for cross-linked
fibers made in accordance with the present invention compared to
commercially available cross-linked fibers. The fibers made in
accordance with the present invention were prepared in accordance
with Example 4 above.
[0126] The acquisition time was determined by the SART test method.
The SART test method evaluates the performance of the cross-linked
fibers as an acquisition layer in absorbent article. The test
measures the time required for a dose of saline to be absorbed
completely into the absorbent article. The test is conducted on a
sample of an absorbent article obtained from a commercially
available diaper (Huggies, from Kimberly-Clark). The sample had a
circular shape having a diameter of 60.0 mm, usually cut from the
center of the diaper core, and weighed about 2.6 g (+0.2 g).
[0127] In this test, the acquisition layer of the sample was
replaced with an airlaid pad made from the fiber of the present
invention. The fiber pad weighed about 0.7 g and was compressed
with a load of a 7.6 psi for about 60 seconds before it was used in
the sample.
[0128] The sample was placed into the testing cell with the
nonwoven side up. The testing cell consisted of a plastic base and
a funnel cup (obtained from Portsmouth Tool and Die Corp.,
Portsmouth, Va., USA). The base was a plastic cylinder having an
inside diameter of 60.0 mm that was used to hold the sample. The
funnel cup was a plastic cylinder having a hole with a star shape,
the outside diameter of which is 58 mm. The funnel cup was placed
inside the plastic base on top of the sample, and a load of about
0.6 psi having a donut shape was placed on top of the funnel
cup.
[0129] The cell and its contents were placed on a leveled surface
and dosed with three successive insults, each being 9.0 ml of
saline solution, (0.9% by weight), the time interval between doses
being 20 min. The doses were added with a Master Flex Pump (Cole
Parmer Instrument, Barrington, Ill., USA) to the funnel cup, and
the time in seconds required for the saline solution of each dose
to disappear from the funnel cup was recorded and expressed as an
acquisition time, or strikethrough. The third insult strikethrough
time is provided in Table 10 below.
10TABLE 10 Liquid acquisition time for absorbent articles
containing representative cross-linked fibers and commercial
fibers. % of Cross- 3.sup.rd linking Insult Fiber Cross-linking
Agent agent (sec) Porosanier 21.0 P & G (Pamper .RTM. 8.9 AL
material) Porosanier (sheet form) Mixture of polymaleic acid 4.2
14.0 (20%) and citric acid (80%) Cross-linked fiber Glyoxylic acid
3.0 8.6 (sheet form) Individualized Glyoxylic acid 5.0 6.6
cross-linked.sup.1 fiber Individualized Glyoxylic acid 3.0 6.1
cross-linked fiber.sup.2 Cross-linked fiber glyoxylic acid (80%)
and 5.0 9.0 (sheet form) Diglycidyl 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylate
(20%) .sup.1Prepared from pulp with conventional purity.
.sup.2Prepared from caustic (4%) treated fiber.
[0130] As shown in Table 10, the third insult strikethrough times
for representative fibers formed in accordance with the present
invention was lower than for commercially available cross-linked
fiber. The liquid acquisition times for representative fiber formed
in accordance with the present invention in fluff from were
significantly less than for commercially available cross-linked
fiber.
Example 10
[0131] The fibers of Example 7 were tested for ISO Brightness in
accordance with TAPPI test methods T272 and T525. The results are
summarized in Table 11 below:
11TABLE 11 ISO Brightness Fiber Cross-linking agent ISO Brightness
Porosanier 91.4 P & G (Pamper .RTM. AL 78.5 material)
Cross-linked fiber Glyoxylic acid 87.8 (sheet form) Cross-linked
fiber Glyoxylic acid 88.0 (sheet form) Individualized cross-
Glyoxylic acid 84.1 linked.sup.1 fiber Individualized cross-
Glyoxylic acid 83.9 linked fiber.sup.2 Cross-linked fiber Glyoxylic
acid (80%) 89.1 (sheet form) and Diglycidyl 1,2- cyclohexane
dicarboxylate (2%) .sup.1Prepared from pulp with conventional
purity. .sup.2Prepared from caustic (4%) treated fiber.
[0132] The results of Table 11 reveal that cellulose fibers
cross-linked in accordance with the present invention provide
improved ISO brightness, when compared to conventional cross-linked
fibers
[0133] While the invention has been described with reference to
particularly preferred embodiments and examples, those skilled in
the art recognize that various modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
* * * * *